Equipment obtained through the SSD Regional Supply Center provides uniformity and quick purchase time. This is the most economical way to purchase equipment because warehouse stock is purchased in larger quantities. Districts may order equipment from the Regional Distribution Centers by submitting an "Inter-Unit Transfer" request through the PeopleSoft Inventory module, or by submitting an "EPRO REQ" through the "Purchasing" module in PeopleSoft. The NIGP # will be required for each item requested.

Equipment not stocked in the general warehouse can be obtained through either a small purchase or a blanket order. The small purchase is most useful and practical for infrequently purchased items (items purchased once or twice a year). Three bids are required for small purchases over $5,000, unless a sole source purchase justification is submitted to the Procurement Division (PRO). Purchases of equipment over $25,000 are handled as an Open Market purchase by the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).

Blanket orders can be established for more commonly purchased items (equipment purchased on a small purchase basis several times a year). This type of purchase procedure also promotes equipment uniformity. Blanket purchases are made through PRO, and delivery is made directly to the district requesting the equipment. Pre-established Blanket Purchase Orders generally allow for a shorter delivery time.

Traffic signal equipment may be acquired through construction contracts by any of the following three means:

Whenever new traffic signal equipment is purchased for the first time, the purchase should be coordinated with the TRF Traffic Management Section (TRF-TM) to ensure that all TxDOT districts and divisions become aware of the experiences with and testing done on the product. This coordination helps maintain uniformity across the state and reduces duplication of effort between districts and divisions.

Equipment must undergo environmental testing by TRF-TM as specified. Equipment that is not on a prequalified list must also go through functional testing at either the district or by TRF-TM. This testing is in addition to the environmental testing.

If the equipment is supplied by the state through the PRO purchasing system, it has already been through both the functional and environmental tests. Such equipment is also purchased in larger quantities and can provide significant cost savings.

The equipment testing performed by TRF-TM includes the evaluation of new products and testing products for prequalification. Prequalification reduces the time required to test pre-shipment samples and the duplication of effort between the districts and division.

Equipment on contracted projects can be supplied by the contractor, state, or city.

If the equipment is supplied by the contractor, it must be thoroughly checked to verify that it meets all pertinent specifications. Prequalification of traffic signal equipment does not eliminate the need for testing. Testing is the only assurance that the equipment will function as specified when it is installed at the intersection.